Updated: 10pm, 21st December, 2017
Some 19 people have been injured after a four wheel drive collided with numerous pedestrians in Melbourne this afternoon.
Police said the incident took place in front of Flinders Street railway station at about 4.41pm and that the 32-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene. A second man was also arrested.
Acting Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said police will be alleging the incident was the result of a “deliberate act”.
He said there was no evidence or intelligence to indicate a connection with terrorism “at this time” but that investigations were continuing.
Nineteen people were taken to hospital after the attack with four of them reported to be in a critical condition.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews described the incident as “an act of evil and an act of cowardice” against innocent bystanders.
“We are all deeply sad and deeply wounded by this terrible, terrible act,” he said but added that the response from bystanders and first responders was a “source of pride”.
